Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 13, 2026

Brain Morphology of Cannabis Users With or Without Psychosis: A Pilot MRI Study
07:30

Brain Morphology of Cannabis Users With or Without Psychosis: A Pilot MRI Study

Published on: August 18, 2020

Amygdala and hippocampal volumes in familial early onset major depressive disorder

Frank P MacMaster1, Yousha Mirza, Philip R Szeszko

  • 1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University, Children's Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, Michigan 48201, USA.

Biological Psychiatry
|July 21, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Children with a family history of major depressive disorder (MDD) showed smaller hippocampal volumes. This suggests reduced hippocampal size may indicate a risk factor for developing MDD.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Psychiatry
  • Developmental Psychology

Background:

  • Major depressive disorder (MDD) is linked to amygdala and hippocampus abnormalities.
  • Familial MDD, characterized by a first-degree relative with the disorder, has not been studied regarding these brain structures in pediatric populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate hippocampal and amygdala volumes in pediatric patients with familial MDD.
  • To determine if familial history influences these brain structures in youth.

Main Methods:

  • Volumetric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used.
  • Thirty-two psychotropic-naive pediatric patients (aged 8-21) with familial MDD were compared to 35 healthy controls.

Main Results:

  • Patients with familial MDD exhibited significantly smaller left and right hippocampal volumes compared to controls.
  • No significant differences in amygdala volumes were found between the familial MDD group and controls.
  • No correlations were observed between hippocampal/amygdala volumes and demographic or clinical variables.

Conclusions:

  • Reduced hippocampal volume may serve as a potential risk factor for developing major depressive disorder.
  • These findings highlight the importance of hippocampal anatomy in the early development of MDD.
Abstract

More Related Videos

A Comprehensive Protocol for Manual Segmentation of the Medial Temporal Lobe Structures12:30

A Comprehensive Protocol for Manual Segmentation of the Medial Temporal Lobe Structures

Published on: July 2, 2014

Measurement of Fronto-limbic Activity Using an Emotional Oddball Task in Children with Familial High Risk for Schizophrenia13:08

Measurement of Fronto-limbic Activity Using an Emotional Oddball Task in Children with Familial High Risk for Schizophrenia

Published on: December 2, 2015

Related Concept Videos

Role of Amygdala in Memory01:16

Role of Amygdala in Memory

The amygdala is a small, almond-shaped structure responsible for processing and storing memories, particularly those linked to emotions like fear and stress. It plays an essential role in the brain's response to emotionally significant events and often enhances memory formation by triggering stress hormone release. The amygdala is vital for encoding and retrieving memories associated with fear or stress, a process that is adaptive by helping organisms avoid dangerous situations.
One of the...
Functional Brain Systems: Limbic System01:15

Functional Brain Systems: Limbic System

The limbic system, often called the "emotional brain," is a complex set of structures located deep within the brain. The intricate network of the limbic system supports a wide range of psychological functions, from emotional regulation to memory formation and sensory processing. This functional brain region encompasses specific parts of the diencephalon and the cerebrum, integrating the higher mental functions of the cerebral cortex with the primitive emotional responses of the deep brain...
Role of Hippocampus in Memory01:19

Role of Hippocampus in Memory

The hippocampus, a critical brain structure, plays an essential role in memory processing, particularly in the formation and retrieval of memory. This small, seahorse-shaped region is located within the medial temporal lobe, with one hippocampus in each brain hemisphere. Experimental studies involving lesions in the hippocampi of rats have demonstrated significant impairments in tasks such as object recognition and maze navigation, indicating the hippocampus involvement in both recognition and...
Depressive Disorders: Etiology01:27

Depressive Disorders: Etiology

Depressive disorders result from a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors, each contributing uniquely to the development and persistence of the condition. Understanding these factors provides critical insight into the multifaceted nature of depression.
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
Alzheimer Disease ll: Pathophysiology01:23

Alzheimer Disease ll: Pathophysiology

Alzheimer disease involves structural changes in the brain that begin long before symptoms appear. The most distinctive features are extracellular neuritic plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles.Neuritic plaques form in the cerebral cortex and around blood vessels. These plaques contain a dense core of beta-amyloid (Aβ)—a toxic protein fragment that clumps outside neurons. The core is surrounded by damaged neuronal extensions, as well as reactive astrocytes and microglia. Abnormal...
Depressive Disorders: MDD and Dysthymia01:27

Depressive Disorders: MDD and Dysthymia

Depressive disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by pervasive feelings of sadness, diminished pleasure in life, and a significant impact on daily functioning. These conditions are most prevalent in individuals during their 30s and affect women at twice the rate of men. Contrary to popular belief, younger individuals are generally more susceptible to these disorders than older adults. Two key types of depressive disorders include Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and...